When the DEA announced that it was backing off of its decision to go through emergency procedures to place kratom on the Schedule 1 list of controlled substances, kratom proponents all over the country rejoiced. This meant that the announcement of the DEA’s intentions only 30 days prior would not take effect at the beginning of October.

Unfortunately, it appears that most kratom activists completely misinterpreted the DEA’s decision. Pulling away from listing kratom as Schedule 1 was not a decision against banning kratom. It was only a decision to stop pursuing the ban in an emergency fashion.

Basically, the DEA is marching forward with its plan to ban the herb but it wants to give the illusion of democracy and freedom before it does so.

The DEA announcement essentially postpones the ban as the agency takes comments from the public regarding their opinions and experiences with the plant. Unfortunately, however, the jubilation of many kratom activists seems to have overtaken pragmatism and strategy since the turnout of posting comments is drastically lower than the turnout in the month of September when users thought the substance was going to be banned.

In order to keep kratom legal it is imperative that all people of goodwill immediately mobilize and begin to take the simplest of actions such as posting public comments in the appropriate place on the DEA website. The comment period has a small window of opportunity only lasting until December 1st, 2016.

We are on the verge of doing something historic, of changing history…for the better. Now is not the time to freeze up, to get “cold feet,” or lose interest. Now is the time to follow through on this well thought out process we have begun.

You can spend your time searching for the comments section on the DEA’s website; however, we recommend making your comments at the website, kratomcomments.org run by the American Kratom Association. The website saves your comment in case an “accidental” crash occurs on the DEA website. This is so there is backup proof of all the comments being submitted. The AKA comments website does not review or edit your comments. It does send your comment directly to the Federal Register. Comments sent through kratomcomments.org receive confirmation numbers and show up on the Federal Register.

It can take up to a week for comments to show up on the Register so it is important to get your comments in as early as possible. Please only post one comment.

The American Kratom Association has released a set of guidelines and tips about comments being made to the DEA. They are as follows:

TIPS ABOUT YOUR COMMENTS TO THE DEA

Be honest. Stick to what you know. Be courteous.

Your comment is an opportunity to oppose to the DEA’s proposal to make the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, two constituents of the kratom plant, schedule 1 controlled substances. This would put kratom — a plant consumed safely in the U.S for decades and world-wide for millennia, and one that helps millions of people — on the same level as illegal drugs like heroin. The DEA scheduling would also prevent further research which, to date, has shown the primary alkaloids in kratom to be beneficial without causing respiratory depression; the main cause of death from opiate overdose.

Kratom is a regulated dietary ingredient. Kratom is not a drug. Kratom is not addictive.
Your comments should address the following:

Your name, age, and profession.

A clear statement of your view about opposing the DEA putting kratom on the list of schedule 1 controlled substances.

When you started using kratom.

How you came to start using kratom.

How kratom has helped you … and why you think it should remain available. Unless you are a doctor or other health expert, avoid making any medical-related claims.
Any links to research or news articles that support your thoughts.A concluding point.

Your comments are your own and should reflect your experience and views. Nothing about this page is meant to provide anything more than general background information and guidance. Please use your own words and express your ideas!

It is imperative that all people of goodwill become active immediately. Don’t be lazy and don’t be afraid. We won the first battle, now let’s win the war.